By Liz Premo
Atlantic News, Thursday, September 5, 2002
[The following article is courtesy of the Atlantic News]
Maurice F. Brown, Jr.
When Veterans' Day comes to the Seacoast this November, there will sadly be one less hero in attendance at the ceremonies certain to be held in Hampton.
Long a faithful, familiar and friendly face at such observances, Maurice F. Brown Jr. quietly slipped away from the warm embrace of his loved ones and his community on the morning of August 27.
We said "good-bye" to Maurice a few days later, in a comforting and touching celebration of his life. Amongst the tears shed and the memories shared, the gentle essence of the man who admitted he had "no thoughts of getting old" could be felt surrounding those people whose hearts he touched.
Church deacon, Grange member, Mason, Shiner and Army Veteran, Retired court clerk. American Legion Historian. Hampton Walker and Seacoast Strider. Devoted husband, honored father, beloved grandfather, faithful brother and uncle, and cherished friend. Maurice was all of these, and more.
For yours truly, the memories are especially personal. Anytime there was a special observance (Memorial Day or Veterans' Day ceremonies at one of Hampton's school) or a special occasion (installment of Legion officers, a playground dedicated to a young Hampton Marine killed in Viet Nam), almost always Maurice's voice was the first one I'd hear, calling my name in cheerful greeting. That salutation was always accompanied by a big friendly smile and oftentimes a wave — just some of those special "perks of the job."
The image of Maurice, wearing his American Legion cap and standing at attention while saluting Old Glory, is a treasured memory that will remain forever. So too are the times he and his wife Agnes stopped by the Atlantic News office, to drop off a press release and share in a moment or two of lively conversation. Of course, there would always be that friendly smile and greeting that one couldn't help but joyfully give in return.
It's hard to say "good-bye" to someone who touches your life in this way. And no matter how large or how small a scale that Maurice Brown happened to touch the lives of those who knew and loved him, the fact remains that he probably impacted the lives of more people than he ever even realized. Thank you, Maurice. You will be dearly missed by so many.
Obituary
Maurice F. Brown Jr.
He was born in Epping on March 24, 1918, a son of the late Maurice F. and Helen (Caraway) Brown.
He was a graduate of Watson Academy in Epping and Hesser Business College and was a veteran of World War II, serving with the US Army as a staff sergeant with the 336th Ordinance Depot Co.
He retired as a deputy clerk with the New Hampshire Superior Court, working for several years in the former Rockingham County Justice Building in Exeter. He previously worked for the former Swift & Company in their chemical division for 32 years.
He had resided in Hampton since 1959, having moved from Exeter, and for the past 15 years he wintered in Kissimmee, Fla.
He was a member and former deacon of the First Congregational Church; Ocean Side Grange #260 East Rockingham Pomona Grange #11; N.H. State Grange and the National Grange; the Hampton Walking Club; the Seacoast Striders of Portsmouth; Hampton Historical Society; and the Hampton American Legion Post #35.
An active Mason, he was a member of St. James Lodge #102 F&AM; Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Portsmouth & Dover; N.H. Consistory Valley of Nashua; Bektash Temple Shrine, Concord, and Patrol C of the Temple; Portsmouth Shrine Club; Gen. William Whipple Military Lodge of Portsmouth; East Gate Club of Seabrook and the Society of Veteran Freemasons.
He was the husband of Agnes M. (Collins) Brown for 46 years.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, Robert C. Brown and his wife, Theresa, of Germany; one daughter, Sheree L. Brown of Hampton; two grandchildren, Bradley Brown and Patric Brown, both of Germany; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday at First Congregational Church, Hampton. Burial was in the Central Cemetery, Epping.
Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Burn Institute, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.